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Novena to our Holy Father Saint Bernard 2014

The North American Preceptory of the Poor Knights of Christ will be praying a novena to our spiritual father and patron St Bernard of Clairvaux August 11th - 19th.

The illustrious St Bernard is a Spiritual Father to the ancient Order of the Knights Templar. One of the more overlooked facts about St Bernard was the fact he was a powerful wonderworker. He performed so many miracles when he was preaching the 2nd crusade that his chroniclers could not write them all down! If you are interested in hearing about some of the more incredible miracles he worked during his life time, there is a free catholic audiobook available on the web here : St Bernard the Wonderworker.

Here are also some collections of his homilies on audio, especially focusing on the Blessed Virgin Mary here and here.

The Rule of the Modern Militia Templi is based off the ancient Rule written by St. Bernard, though adapted for modern times.

We invite you to please join us in our novena to St Bernard of Clairvaux, that through his intercession before Christ our King, he might obtain for the Militia Templi a new Cardinal Protector, and that all Knights, Novices and all those who pledge themselves to the order of the Militia Templi will strive diligently to follow the precepts of our Holy Rule. Also that St Bernard inclines the leaders to provide military aid to the persecuted Christians in Iraq.

The Novena Prayer that the Militia Templi is using, to be said entirely each day for 9 days.

Admirable St. Bernard, who, after having been the delight of your parents by the innocence of your manners, became the model of Religious by the austerity of your penances and the fervor of your piety; and who had also the happiness of drawing with you, to a life of holiness, your whole family and an infinite number of distinguished persons: obtain for us, of the Lord, the grace that we may correspond to the divine inspirations, and live up to the perfection of our state.

Glory be, etc.

2. Admirable St. Bernard, who, advancing in sanctity as you progressed in learning, practiced the most severe mortification of your senses, and conceived the deepest hatred for every kind of sin: obtain for us, of the Lord, the grace, by the practice of penance, always to mortify our unruly passions.

Glory be, etc.

3. Admirable St. Bernard, who, after founding many monasteries, and filling them with fervent and holy monks effected the greatest good by your counsel and advice; so that not only kings and princes, but bishops and popes applied to you to heal public discords and distresses: obtain for us, of the Lord, the grace to labor continually for His glory, and to walk so faithfully in the way of His precepts, that we may at all times merit His aid.

Glory be, etc.

4. Admirable St. Bernard, who, passing like an apostle through all the kingdoms of the West, carried to all peace and joy, deciding the most difficult questions, concluding the most complicated affairs, assisting at counsels, confuting errors, converting the most hardened sinners: obtain for us, of the Lord, the grace, that by our lives we may shed the odor of Jesus around, and have, like you, a lively faith and an ardent love for the Most Holy Eucharist, the greatest and the most precious treasure of Christianity.

Glory be, etc.

5. Admirable St. Bernard, who, notwithstanding your numberless occupations, your continual journeys, and your delicate health, never ceased your meditations, your prayers, and your penances; who, not content to announce the word of God by your voice, also composed most valuable works, for which you have merited the glorious titles of Doctor and Father of the Church; and who, by your beautiful writings for her glory, promoted devotion to Mary: obtain for us, of the Lord, the grace of perseverance till death, in all the practices of piety and penance suitable to our state, and always to breathe the most fervent devotion to our Mother Mary.